Which plant tissue is primarily responsible for photosynthesis?

Ground tissue is the primary plant tissue responsible for photosynthesis. This type of tissue makes up most of the plant body and includes various types of cells that perform different functions. In the context of photosynthesis, the parenchyma cells within the ground tissue are particularly important as they contain chloroplasts, the organelles that carry out photosynthesis. This process allows plants to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which is essential for their growth and survival.

In contrast, vascular tissue is involved in the transport of water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant but does not participate directly in photosynthesis. Meristematic tissue is responsible for the growth of the plant, as it contains undifferentiated cells that can divide and develop into various types of cells, but it does not play a direct role in photosynthesis either. Dermal tissue serves as a protective outer layer for the plant but does not facilitate the production of energy through photosynthesis.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why ground tissue is the correct answer, as it encompasses the cells that actively participate in the photosynthetic process, making it vital for the plant's ability to produce its own food.